WDW Daily News

Earlier today, we unwrapped 55 stunning Disney-themed gondolas for special test runs in another exciting step forward for our Disney Skyliner system that’ll transport you at Walt Disney World® Resort later this fall.

The unwrapped cabins, some of which feature stunning graphics based on Disney films, attractions and characters, are now making test runs back-and-forth between Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.  And yes,we have a first look for you!

The latest test-runs of the unwrapped Disney Skyliner gondolas are a significant milestone for the overall testing process of the state-of-the-art transportation system.  Walt Disney Imagineering began testing the gondolas at the Resort just months ago.   

When fall arrives, Guests of Disney Skyliner Resorts – Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – will be able to enjoy the benefit of being whisked between Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Guests will ride alongside favorites such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo & Stitch, and the Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion.  

Stay tuned as we share more exciting details about Disney Skyliner in upcoming months.  

It’s almost game time, because tickets are now officially on sale for NBA Experience at Disney Springs®! 

This new destination at Walt Disney World Resort will hold its grand opening Aug. 12, when you can feel what it’s like to be a real basketball star by participating in 13 interactive and hands-on activities. With a ticket to NBA Experience, you will test and improve their shooting and dribbling skills, get their photo taken while throwing down a rim-rocking dunk, and feel like a top draft pick, just to name a few of the immersive opportunities that will blend Disney magic with the high-caliber action of the NBA and WNBA.

Tickets to NBA Experience are $34 (plus tax) for guests ages 10 and older, and $29 (plus tax) for children ages 3-9, and they are commissionable.

As you’re planning your visit, recommend bringing athletic shoes (footwear will be required for entry). You will also be asked to sign a waiver prior to starting their activities; children under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver for them.

Note: Tickets are valid through Dec. 31, 2020 and provide one admission to NBA Experience; re-entry is not permitted. Age restrictions may apply. For convenience, you may view the waiver in advance at disneyworld.com/expwaiver. Prices do not include tax. All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable and exclude activities/events separately priced. The amount paid for any unused ticket may be applied toward the purchase of a new ticket at the current price.

Higher ticket prices didn’t deter tourists from taking trips to Disney theme parks during its second quarter.

The company, which reported earnings Wednesday after the closing bell, said guests spent more and stayed longer during their time at Disney parks and on cruises in the quarter, boosting revenue 5% to $6.2 billion during the three-month period ended March 30.

Full Story

This summer, Disney California Adventure® Park celebrates the beloved characters and music of Disney’s “The Lion King” with an imaginative new adaptation of this timeless story, presented as a highly-theatrical outdoor musical production entitled, “Tale of the Lion King.” The show features a cast of 18 performers – including actors, singers, dancers and drummers – who form an ensemble called the Storytellers of the Pride Lands. This traveling troupe specializes in retelling revered stories in their own contemporary style, weaving their tale through language, song and dance.

Creative Director Susana Tubert and the team at Disney Parks Live Entertainment are in the midst of a series of workshops and rehearsals with the cast in preparation for the opening of “Tale of the Lion King” later this summer. Here’s a look behind the scenes.

In this imaginative story-theatre production, the scenic, prop and costume designs celebrate the spirit of Africa. All-new musical arrangements have been written for the most treasured songs from “The Lion King,” creating a score for the show with elements we associate with the emotional sweep of the original compositions, yet focused on the vocal performances of the actors and music from the drummers to drive a unique percussive sound.

“Tale of the Lion King” graces the Palisades Stage at Disney California Adventure Park for a limited time this summer, starting June 7, 2019.

The Play Disney Parks app allows you visiting Walt Disney World® Resort and the Disneyland® Resort to interact with the theme parks in a whole new way through themed games, Disney trivia, digital achievements, official Disney Parks music playlists through Apple Music® and more. And if you haven’t already downloaded the app, it’s available through the App Store and Google Play and has a new feature that’s worth checking out.

With this new feature, you can bring to life an interactive show effect when enjoying the app in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®. Stinky Pete, from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 2,” is outta his box and joining some favorite pals in the Toy Story Mania! queue.

Be on the lookout for The Old Prospector while playing “Playset Party” – one of several in-queue games offered in the Play Disney Parks app – in which you progress through a series of mini-games to help assemble the Toy Story Mania! playset. After completing all the mini-games, he may just pop out and surprise Guests! Hint: keep your eyes open near the end of the queue for a wild west-style jail cell that Andy has constructed.

Throughout Toy Story Land, the app also offers you access to themed trivia,  a special music playlist featuring songs inspired by Pixar films, and tons of fun with “Andy’s Board Game Blast,” a game themed to Slinky Dog Dash that can be played anywhere at Disney Hollywood Studios!

Be sure to catch a glimpse of Stinky Pete’s new appearance and experience the many exciting additions coming to the app at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort!

Available for iPhone® and smartphones for Android™.

Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. Music streaming feature requires an Apple Music subscription. Separate Apple Music terms and conditions apply. Subscription plan renews automatically after trial. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission.

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and Apple Music are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

Walt Disney World Resort is the perfect place to celebrate mothers who deserve the best on their special day. From relaxing spa treatments and delicious meals to shopping at Disney Springs and exploring Walt Disney World theme parks, there are near limitless options to give mom the perfect Mother’s Day this year. Special offerings include floral gift packages, holiday menus at several restaurants, Mother’s Day-themed events at select Disney resorts and more.

Elegant Floral Arrangements

Moms will know how much they’re loved with beautiful floral arrangements from Disney Floral and Gifts. Guests can choose traditional roses, an arrangement inspired by a favorite Disney character or work with a Disney designer to create a custom bouquet.

Disney Floral and Gifts also has special gift packages just for Mother’s Day. The Mother’s Day Family Treats Tote includes an assortment of snacks moms will love.

To learn more, guests can visit Disneyfloralandgifts.com.

Delectable Bites

Mother’s Day dining options will be available at select restaurants across Walt Disney World, including Terralina Crafted Italian and Paddlefish at Disney Springs, Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Rose & Crown Dining Room at Epcot. Specialty desserts will also be available at select resort hotels and dining locations within the theme parks.

A delicious brunch is also a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Walt Disney World has numerous options, whatever mom’s preferred taste.

For adventurous eaters, Boma – Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers traditional African choices such as Cape Malay Lamb Stew or Couscous alongside American favorites.

Fans of Disney characters should check out Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Favorite characters from “Tangled” and “The Little Mermaid” will greet families who can also enjoy entrées including frittatas, pancakes and breakfast calzones.

For moms who enjoy the fancier things in life, the Grand Floridian Café at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a great option. This upscale eatery serves American classics moms are sure to love. For an afternoon break, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa also offers a classic Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room. This elegant experience combines international teas with sandwiches, scones and other tasty delicacies.

For Walt Disney World dining information, guests should visit Disneyworld.com/dining or call 407-WDW-DINE.

Stay in the Middle of the Magic

Select Disney resort hotels will host special events for Mother’s Day. Minnie’s Mother’s Day Chocolate Party at Disney’s Beach Club Resort offers decadent desserts including chocolate fondue, chocolate ravioli and a milkshake station. At Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, moms and their families can create a special Mother’s Day painting with an Alice in Wonderland theme from 10 a.m. to noon.

Mothers will be thrilled with the idea of turning Mother’s Day into a vacation at a Disney resort hotel, with perks including complimentary transportation via motor coach, ferry boat or Monorail services to the theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs, as well as package delivery back to her room and more.

For reservations and additional information about Disney resort hotels, guests should call 407-W-DISNEY or visit Disneyworld.com/resorts.

Unforgettable Experiences 

Exciting experiences only Disney can provide are the perfect way to spend Mother’s Day.

The 26^th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is a great way to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of spring. Moms will love seeing the lush topiaries and festival blooms while savoring fine tastes and sips along the way.

For a unique day at the theme parks, families can try a specialty tour to experience Walt Disney World in a whole new way. Guests can learn how the magic at Magic Kingdom Park comes to life on Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour, snorkel with thousands of sea creatures in the Epcot Seas Adventures – Aqua Tour or get up close with exotic African wildlife on Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. And foodie moms will love the Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour, which invites guests to taste their way through the park’s kitchens. Tour reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

Luxurious Spa Treatments

Treat mom to a day of pampering at one of the full-service spas at Walt Disney World. Massages, facial treatments, body therapies, manicures, pedicures and more are the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. Senses – A Disney Spa at both Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort offer packages for the ultimate day of indulgence.

Shop Till Mom Drops

Children can find their mother’s perfect gift at Disney Springs. Hand-crafted jewelry, luxurious bath products, decadent candies and stylish accessories are just a few of the options available at the dining, shopping and entertainment district of Walt Disney World Resort.

The Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival is currently taking place at Walt Disney World ®Resort through June 3, 2019, with a wide selection of delectable bites at outdoor kitchens and dozens of Disney-themed topiaries blooming around the park.

New in 2019, the festival’s Garden Rocks Concert Series expanded to seven days a week, with a total of 270 concerts spanning multiple genres over the course of the 90-day event.

We’re excited to share the remaining rocking line-up for the 2019 Garden Rocks Concert Series!

• May 5-7: Don Felder, Formerly of the Eagles “Hotel California”
• May 8-9: A Flock of Seagulls (NEW) “I Ran (So Far Away)”
• May 10-11: Marshall Tucker Band (NEW to Garden Rocks) “Heard It in a Love Song”
• May 12-13: The Lovin’ Spoonful “Summer in the City”
• May 14-15: Richard Marx (New to Garden Rocks) “Right Here Waiting”
• May 16-19: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
• May 20-21: Colin Hay of Men at Work (NEW) “Who Can It Be Now?”
• May 22-23: War (NEW) “Why Can’t We Be Friends”
• May 24-27: The Guess Who “American Woman”
• May 28-29: Jon Secada “Just Another Day”
• May 30- June 1: Blood, Sweat and Tears “Spinning Wheel”
• June 2-3 – Eddie Palmieri (NEW), “Vamanos Pa’l Monte”

Garden Rocks concert performances take place at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. each night of the festival and are included in regular park admission. Your Clients can enjoy guaranteed concert seating by reserving a Garden Rocks Dining Package and enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants. 

Savor the magic this summer during a fun-filled vacation at Walt Disney World® Resort! As a Disney Visa Cardmember, you can enjoy a FREE dining plan when they purchase a non-discounted 4-night/5-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room for 4 nights at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and 5-day theme park tickets with Park Hopper® Option.Book through June 16, 2019 for arrivals most nights Aug. 1-21, 2019.

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The Walt Disney Studios has unveiled its upcoming slate following the recent acquisition of the Fox film studios, including changes to previously dated films and a number of major additions.

The Studios’ 2019 slate rounds out with Fox’s The Woman in the Window on Oct. 4 and Ford V. Ferrari on Nov. 15, Disney’s Maleficent: Mistress of Evil on Oct. 18 and Disney Animation’s Frozen 2 on Nov. 22, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Dec. 20, and Blue Sky Studios’ Spies in Disguise, moving from September to Christmas. Among early 2020 titles are Fox’s Underwater on Jan. 10, a new Kingsman movie on Feb. 14, and Call of the Wild on Feb. 21, followed by Pixar’s Onward on March 6 and Disney’s Mulan on March 27.

The updated calendar also sets release dates for major franchises Avatar and Star Wars. With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker bringing the original Skywalker Saga to its conclusion, three new as-yet-untitled Star Wars films will release on the pre-Christmas weekend every other year beginning in 2022. Four forthcoming Avatar films, expanding the vibrant world of Pandora, will release on the pre-Christmas weekend every other year beginning in 2021. In the holiday corridor for 2020, Fox’s West Side Story adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg, will debut Dec. 18 in the pre-Christmas slot, with Disney’s Cruella opening Wednesday, Dec. 23, for the long holiday weekend.

After kicking off with the record-setting success of Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame, The Walt Disney Studios’ 2019 summer slate includes Disney’s Aladdin on May 24, Fox’s Dark Phoenix on June 7, Pixar’s Toy Story 4 on June 21, Fox’s Stuber on July 12, and Disney’s The Lion King on July 19. Fox 2000’s The Art of Racing in the Rain moves up to Aug. 9, and Fox Searchlight’s Ready or Not will release on Aug. 23, while three films move to later dates: Ad Astra (9/20/19), The New Mutants (4/3/20), and Artemis Fowl (5/29/20).

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS MOTION PICTURES
RELEASE SCHEDULE

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There’s never been a better time for you to check out new experiences throughout the Disneyland Resort. 

Now, and throughout the summer, there’s so much exciting to enjoy, including:

• Take a ride on the recently opened Jessie’s Critter Carousel at Disney California Adventure
• Delight in a freshly reimagined Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland
• Savor the breathtaking World of Color, which recently made its stunning return to Disney California Adventure
• Snap some Instagram-worthy shots at the all-new Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration at Downtown Disney.
• Watch as the magic of Disney animation and music come to life at “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” at Disney California Adventure
• Indulge in over-the-top ice cream creations at Black Tap, which is now open at Downtown Disney.

Rooms at the three Disneyland Resort hotels are still available in June. And, Guests who stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel between May 31 and June 23, 2019, will receive a designated reservation to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay.*

There’s so much to see and do throughout the entire Disneyland Resort – encourage you to book a stay today!

*If the hotel reservation is cancelled, the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge reservation will be cancelled.